Ex-Fifa official demands radical change as Man City controversy analysed – ‘it’s another nail’
Keith Hackett has called for timekeeping in football to change after referee Michael Oliver blew the whistle too early when officiating Man City against Aston Villa.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee said the incident was “another nail” in the current methodology as football moves “towards independent timekeepers.”
Man City came from two goals down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at the Etihad.
The result ensured Pep Guardiola’s side beat Liverpool to the Premier League title by one point on Sunday.
However, Hackett is adamant referee Michael Oliver called a halt too early at the Etihad and failed to account for the time Ederson spent down injured in stoppage time.
“I think he did stop it short,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs. “Everyone watching on television knew that was the case.
“Sometimes referees have got to be given credit for using a bit of common sense. If the game is over and it is not going to impact on the result it may be best to get the players off.
“But that wasn’t the case here. I think it is another nail in the current protocol as we move towards what I consider to be independent timekeepers.
“The timing of football matters should be taken away from the referee completely. It should be like boxing or hockey.
“There should be a big clock in the stadium so that we as fans know that we are getting the appropriate amount of time.”
In other news, a medical expert has rubbished Man City ‘media narrative’ as Erling Haaland injury fears revealed.